Having ventured down to Tauranga's version of ‘Eat Street ‘I wouldn't go as far to call it a fail but it is no success story either.

That is by no means a reflection on Sally Cooke and her hard working team in Tauranga Mainstreet but they certainly are up against it.

Several things need to happen. First of all the restaurants have to play their part and collectively be open every day and every night, but for that to happen the road has to be closed and covered so the restaurants can push their table and chairs right out, thus creating the much needed atmosphere.

Of course you will need money for this and I think Sally is better off knocking on Gareth Morgan's door than going to the local council. What she will get from council is lots of red tape. Being an ex-restaurant owner on The Strand I had many battles with council over alfresco dining.

But in my day I was dealing with councillors who thought alfresco dining was the name of a café in the early avenues.

I'm sure that's not the case now. I wish Sally and co all the best in their endeavours and with a new Mayor next year and perhaps some new young faces in council maybe that miracle on Wharf St just might happen.

John Harvey, Tauranga City